Ghani stresses transparency in filling govt vacancies

KABUL (Pajhwok): President Ashraf Ghani, stressing transparency in recruitment process in public sector organizations, on Wednesday issued a decree asking all government institutions to fill their vacancies.

President Ghani, who spoke on the occasion of introducing new commissioners to the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission of Afghanistan (IARCSC) here, said hiring qualified persons through a transparent process would result in good service to the nation.

Ghani’s two-article presidential order on hiring process and group examination for civil services positions at ministries and government departments was read out at the ceremony.

Under the decree, the Presidential Palace would monitor the examination process for hiring eligible persons on vacant positions.

In addition, the order reads that vacant positions at all organizations should be specified and filled with qualified people through an open competition.

Ghani said the inability of the young generation to find their way to government organizations was catastrophic for the country.

He said administrative reforms were needed to prevent appointments to government posts through favoritism and pave the way for eligible people to hold the posts.

Ghani said: “When our employees are committed, talented and enjoyed high capacity, it results in development and strengthening of our organizations.”

He emphasized on strengthening government organizations, adding if institutions were strengthened they would be able to be successfully respond to clients.

“I am the president and want to reduce my authorities. I don’t give authorities to individuals but to institutions. The more the institutions are strong, the more your trust in them.”

“This year our attention is focused on 10 ministries--five whose expenses are high and five others which have a lot of revenue.”

He said IARCSC should be trusted because it was not a platform to hatch conspiracies but to play an effective role in future building.

The president said 5,000 more vacant posts would be managed by IARCSC following a new presidential order.

The families of intelligence and security forces martyrs should be prioritized in recruitment for the mentioned posts, he said.

Ghani asked those having passed the test to become electronic ID cards distributors to remain committed to their people as they were leading a national and important process.

“Observe the Constitution, the country would be more stable if the constitution is enforced, it is responsibility of all of us to enforce the Constitution,” he said, while talking to the newly appointed e-ID cards distribution employees.

The attorney general office and the Supreme Court have agreed that their administrative posts would be announced for a free competition through IARCSC, the president added.

“I yesterday approved the suggestion of 8,000 new teacher positions, the budget for these positions would be allocated in the next six months, their recruitment process must be very transparent,” he said.

IARCSC head Nader Naderi said the recruitment process was full of problems and needed essential reforms.

About the appointment of new 500 employees for e-ID cards distribution, he said the employees were hired without any favoritism and political influence.

“I ask the newly appointed employees not to meet with representatives or influential figures, but display talent in their duties,” he said.

Naderi said he had brought essential reforms to the IARCSC over the past few months and a five-year policy of the commission would be prepared in the future.

He asked the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) to prioritize employment of those who had higher education and were more aware of their community in districts’ administration.

The president signed contracts of four out of 496 successful candidates for e-ID cards distribution process at today’s meeting.